U of S Huskies veterans aim to go out on a winning note in Vanier Cup

As the clock winds down on his university football career, John Stoll is trying to savour every moment.

“I've just really, really been able to live and embrace the little things, the (practice) walkthroughs, the meetings and everything,” said Stoll, a fifth-year defensive back with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.

Stoll and his teammates take on the Montreal Carabins in the Vanier Cup Saturday at Mosaic Stadium in Regina (1 p.m. CST on CBC).

“I think that's been something that I couldn't do before because it's not as present and front of mind,” Stoll said. “But then this last one, I'll enjoy everything right up to the final whistle.”

This will be the Huskies' third trip to the Vanier Cup in the last five years.

Stoll was just a rookie when the team played in 2021 (a 27-21 loss to Western) and then again in 2022, when they lost 30-24 to Laval Rouge et Or.

Stakes high as U of S Huskies prep for Vanier Cup

“I didn't realize how big it was to make one, because the work that I had to put in was not the same amount of work that those (veteran) guys that got us there put in,” he said.

Now that he's the veteran, Stoll is more appreciative of the work needed to get to a Vanier Cup.

“You have got to appreciate how much work you put in, the 365 days that you waited to get to this moment, and really embrace that all that work is actually paying off,” he said.

While both teams must travel to Regina for the Vanier Cup, for some of the Huskies it’s a homecoming game.

“It feels like an absolute fairy tale to me,” said Huskies defensive lineman Charlie Parks, who is from Regina.

“I've got my whole family, my friends, my friends' families, and they're gonna have our backs. And it's just, it's so special.”

Parks grew up listening to